After a 3-year pandemic-enforced absence, we were delighted to once again compete for the Sparkes Cup, and better still, it was possible to hold the competition at Harlington. It took until the last kick of the tournament to settle this year’s closely contested competition.
There was early disappointment as the RSM captain, out of action through injury, reluctantly conceded that our smallest constituent college would not be able to assemble a competitive team this year. But there were spectators to entertain and a very enthusiastic referee to keep busy, so the RCS and C&G captains agreed to retain the traditional three-match format. The competition would be based on the best of three matches and their two teams would face each other up to three times.
Here is a quick summary, the first game was won comfortably by C&G 33-12. The second game was much closer, won right at the end by RCS 24-19. The third and deciding game was tied at the death when C&G touched down between the posts. The last kick of the game would be the conversion and G&G broke RCS hearts when their attempt was successful.
So congratulations to C&G whose name will be engraved on the Sparkes Cup for the fourth time in succession. Commiserations go out to our own gallant RCS team. And we give special thanks to Will Ridge ICRFC Club Captain, to the RCSA’s very own Stephen Davies and to the Harlington ground staff for their organisational efforts.
A detailed match report can be seen by clicking here……